Nick Betrays June in Shocking Twist on ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ S6E6

In the sixth episode of The Handmaid’s Tale’s sixth season titled ‘Surprise’, June and Nick are brought together in a more substantial way than a fleeting encounter in No Man’s Land, leading some to wonder if their relationship has been rekindled. However, it remains uncertain whether this means they have officially gotten back together.

In the fifth episode of Season 6 on the Hulu show, June and Moira re-entered Gilead with a mission to explore the Jezebels’ penthouse for Mayday. During their visit, they encountered Janine and shared intelligence about a plan aiming at the High Commanders, issuing her a heads-up.

Absolutely, I’m referring to the world of Gilead here. Needless to say, things didn’t unfold as expected. Not only did we find ourselves up against a Guardian, but our ride back home with Luke didn’t materialize. This left us with no choice but to seek assistance from Commander Lawrence.

On an otherwise dismal day, he received more unfortunate news – his comrades in the High Command were exploiting New Bethlehem to trick refugees into returning to Gilead, with the intention of orchestrating a coup and installing Lawrence as a figurehead. Be advised, this contains spoilers!

Are June and Nick endgame?

Apologies to all fans rooting for June and Nick as a couple. Despite their near-destiny, The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 Episode 6 sadly shows Nick acting against June in the most heartbreaking manner, essentially signaling the end of their romantic journey.

However, let’s rewind a bit first. The new episode continues from where we last were, with June and Moira in the back of Lawrence’s car.

They are worried about the items they forgot at Jezebels, as you may recall, Janine had sketched a guide for the elevator leading to the penthouse, which they intended to utilize in carrying out Mayday’s scheme.

Additionally, Janine handed over a stack of correspondence from the ladies at Jezebel to their relatives. However, as Moira and June were about to depart, a Guardian discovered them and confined the documents within a secure safe.

Indeed, they did take his life, yet they were unaware of the combination to the safe, forcing them to depart without it. “And what if they manage to locate them?” Moira queries. “Every last one of those women is deceased.

Moira, we seem to be stuck inside a vehicle,” says June, implying they’ll address the issue at a later time. Eventually, the car stops moving, and Lawrence allows them to exit.

Lawrence and June join forces

He inquires about their activities in Gilead, yet June prefers not to disclose this information since he might share it with his confidants. However, Lawrence clarifies that he had no involvement in the assault on the American aircraft attempting to recover Hannah during Season 5.

June remarks, “Perhaps you could have prevented them,” to which Lawrence counters, “Perhaps you could have prevented Eleanor.” However, Lawrence admits his part in his late wife’s suicide, saying, “I created this wretched nightmare and I kept her imprisoned within it.

He proceeds to explain to June and Moira that the High Commanders are employing his reforms as a trap. Their intention is to position him on the wall… it’s possible that we might end up side by side.

June knows she can trust him and so decides to tell him about Mayday’s plan. 

She proposes a scenario: “By this coming week’s end, each of those men would have perished, leaving you as the only powerful commander remaining in Boston.” This proposition intrigues Lawrence, given his current circumstances, what more does he stand to lose?

June calls on Nick for help

In my gaming world, I find myself leading June and Moira down into the depths of my hideout. I warn them that we must eliminate every last one of these High Commanders, for they’re akin to the many-headed beast Hydra from ancient mythology – no matter how many we slay, more seem to rise in their place.

He states, “Cut off one leader and another rises in his place,” to which June explains that Mayday’s plan to eliminate them all simultaneously stems from this very occurrence.

As a fervent admirer, I find myself in a predicament where I need to get my hands on those letters and map hidden away at Jezebels. However, Lawrence reminds us that the location is under lockdown. In such a situation, I humbly request to borrow his phone since Nick’s number has become an essential part of my speed dial.

Luckily, Nick is eager to assist June. He fetches the items from the safe, only to encounter Commander Bell and Janine in the corridor as he exits.

Generally speaking, he’d usually find a way to escape tricky predicaments; however, he’s in a delicate position already. In The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 Episode 3, he fired at two Guards while helping Luke and Moira escape.

Moreover, it’s important to recall that one of the Guardians managed to survive the attack, forcing Nick to step in and complete the task to conceal his actions. Since then, Commander Wharton, Nick’s father-in-law, has been closely monitoring him.

June and Nick are together once more

When Nick returns to New Bethlehem, he hands over the items to June. He informs her that Moira is traveling with Lawrence, and he intends to return with her tomorrow, but for now, he’d prefer to stay with her tonight. (Translation: so they can spend the night together)

In one of the scenes from The Handmaid’s Tale’s first season, it’s shown that Nick hints to June that there are times when he feels she might be the best part of his existence.

In his small cottage, they’ve recently shared a night’s rest, and they fantasize about experiencing life in the actual world, going on their first date, and eventually traveling to Paris together. However, their affection for each other is undeniably genuine. It’s all just wishful thinking, though.

The camera transitions to Jezebels currently, with Aunt Lydia persisting in her fantasy world, hoping to rescue Janine.

Janine learns from her that they are planning to establish a fertility clinic for ex-Handmaids in New Bethlehem with Serena, but this news triggers an argument between them.

Aunt Lydia strikes her, and then Janine shoves her outside the door, stating that she’d never find freedom while Gilead remains dominant.

Commander Wharton grows suspicious 

Nick brings June to his home, yet it’s apparent something is amiss. Commander Wharton, supposed to be in Washington D.C., is lurking in the living room, anticipating Nick’s arrival.

He instructs June to go to Serena’s house if he hasn’t left within five minutes; otherwise, she should stay put. Upon Nick’s arrival, the ambiance is thick with tension.

In a direct manner, Wharton moves the conversation to business matters. It’s evident that Commander Bell suspected Nick due to his knowledge of Nick’s encounter at Jezebel’s. He inquires, “Have you been untrue to my daughter?” A claim which Nick firmly denies.

Wharton inquires as to why Nick was present, but Nick responds by stating it’s a secret matter. This response doesn’t provide a clear explanation, so Wharton intensifies the questioning, reminding Nick that he was the last individual to interact with the young Guardian before his demise.

He questions, “Don’t you realize that these deceits could lead to severe consequences, potentially leaving your son without a father? Is that the outcome you desire?” His point being, “I can only assist if you’re truthful with me.

June and Serena reopen old wounds

As their discussion goes on, June figures out that Nick isn’t going to reveal anything, at which point she decides to visit Serena instead. Unsurprisingly taken aback by her sudden appearance, Serena was left in a state of shock.

In a straightforward manner, June deceives about her presence, claiming it was an attempt to invite Nick to Alaska. Meanwhile, Serena is simply thrilled that June seems to be growing more confident in her, and they agree that Serena will let June stay overnight at her place.

As Serena was getting ready for bed, she announced her intention to marry Wharton, a revelation that upset June. The two women began to argue, with June expressing her belief that Serena hasn’t changed, while Serena maintained that she plans to reform Gilead with Wharton’s help.

In a new turn of events, the ex-Mrs. Waterford attempts to minimize her past wrongdoings, whereas June acknowledges she cannot pardon her actions. Instead of resolving their conflicts, they choose to let things be between them.

However, Serena remains determined to reconcile, and in the morning, she extends an invitation to Rita for a get-together. This heartening meeting brings joy to June and Rita, though it’s understandably a bit tense given that the one who used to antagonize them is present.

It’s fortunate that Noah awakens, allowing Serena to take care of him, thus creating a chance for Rita and June to have a genuine conversation. June confides in Rita about Mayday’s scheme and requests her assistance, but Rita is hesitant, as she doesn’t wish to do anything that might put her family at risk, having recently reconnected with her sister.

June understands completely, saying she deserves peace. 

Serena’s diary says it all

As June waits for her ride home, she stumbles upon a notebook containing a picture of Serena, Fred, and Nichole (who are also known as Holly) within.

Next, she reads through the diary entry that offers a surprising perspective on Serena’s viewpoints regarding religion, Gilead, and her personal authority.

The statement conveys that there are two values in deterioration, posing a risk not just for our nation, but for mankind as a whole. Initially given the nickname “The Mother of the Revolution,” a title I received with a sense of humility, yet also understanding the significant burden of responsibility it entailed.

I championed a resurgence in religious belief and a society that valued women primarily for their maternal and nurturing roles. Despite being misconstrued by some, the Handmaids played a crucial part in achieving this goal.

The implementation of the Handmaids system brought along a multitude of unexpected hurdles. Not only the Handmaids themselves, but also those among us who supported Gilead, had to make significant sacrifices.

We were prepared to take tough decisions, bracing ourselves for criticism and confusion from those unwilling to comprehend the urgency of creating this new era.

Oh Serena, June’s right – she will never change. 

No way back for Nick and June

Finally, Nick shows up, but rather than taking June back, he has a new destination in mind: Paris. 

Indeed, Nick is proposing a spontaneous escape to the city of romance with June. He’s taken care of all the essentials, and moreover, he’s planning for both her mother and their child to accompany them on this adventure.

For just a fleeting instant, I thought I saw her nodding ‘yes,’ but our heart-pounding moment was abruptly halted by a knock echoing through the room, shattering the silence that had enveloped us.

As a fervent admirer, I hastily burst in and urgently advise my companions to conceal themselves within a cabinet, preparing myself to welcome my future spouse, Wharton. Our ensuing dialogue unfortunately paves the way for the demise of June and Nick’s romantic bond.

It appears that Nick revealed Mayday’s plan to Wharton as a means of self-preservation. Instead of concocting another explanation for being at Jezebel’s or admitting his intention to aid June, he asserted that he was intervening to thwart the attack.

Wharton clarifies everything to Serena, stating his intention to close down Jezebel’s, implying that if this happens, Janine and the other women there could potentially face harm or death.

Additionally, it appears that Mayday’s strategy to attack the High Commanders is no longer feasible. It’s clear that Gilead will undoubtedly strengthen its security measures going forward.

Wharton confides in Serena that initially, he harbored some uncertainties regarding him, but his actions have demonstrated a strong sense of loyalty. Wharton explains that it was indeed Nick who uncovered the scheme and shared all the details with him.

In June, the weight of betrayal seems to have left her deflated; her posture suggests this heavy burden. On the other hand, Nick hangs his head in guilt. As the camera sweeps away, it shows June standing isolated, with an image that symbolizes solitude.

It’s challenging to envision a reunion for June and Nick, as the deep rift in their trust seems almost irreparable at this point, with the consequences of their situation still unfolding.

Discover when the upcoming episode of The Handmaid’s Tale will be available, as we provide you with our comprehensive guide to the release timeline for Season 6. Additionally, you can review our recaps for episodes 1, 2, and 4 from this season if you need a refresher.

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2025-04-29 19:21